Steve Loughton confirmed as new UK boss of Hoshizaki Gram

Industry stalwart Steve Loughton will take the reins at Hoshizaki UK from January 2017, it has been confirmed.

Mr Loughton will step into the hotseat vacated by Glenn Roberts, who will be taking on a new role at BRITA Professional. The move comes as Hoshizaki and Gram UK prepare to operate under the integrated ‘Hoshizaki’ business name from January 1.

He will be joined on the company’s senior management team by current Gram sales chief, Paul Anderson, who takes up the new post of Hoshizaki UK’s director of sales.

After nearly four years as managing director at Jestic Foodservice Equipment, Hoshizaki said it was “delighted” to bring in Mr Loughton as its UK boss.

He brings more than 40 years of foodservice sales and distributor experience to the post, as well as a proven track record of driving profit growth.

Mr Loughton said today that he is excited about the challenge of growing Hoshizaki’s presence in the UK and Europe.

“I’m fortunate to be entering the business at a time of exciting change and ambitious growth as Hoshizaki UK and Gram UK come together under the operating corporate umbrella of Hoshizaki UK,” he said. “Change is dynamic for the whole team, and I am ready to lead the business and drive it forward, sharing our exceptional category knowledge with customers.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor for the job he has done in building Gram’s operation in the UK.

“Glenn Roberts has adeptly created a very successful business in the UK, driving both an unrivalled reputation for quality innovations and customer service, as well as ensuring Gram is regarded as leading the way in energy efficiency within the professional refrigeration category. He leaves the business in a strong position and one, which I intend to further nurture along with the core values Glenn has set.”

Mr Loughton’s current employer, Jestic, this morning expressed its thanks for his efforts while in charge of the business.

Owner Martin Beesley commented: “We would like to thank Steve for all his hard work over the past three years and wish him every success in his new venture. Jestic Foodservice Equipment will give further details on our structure going forward in early January.”

Meanwhile, Hoshizaki also confirmed that Gram’s commercial director Paul Anderson will take up the new role director of sales for Hoshizaki UK in January.

Having worked with Gram for more than six years, Hoshizaki will be seeking to maximise his unrivalled knowledge as a key member of the senior team. In this new role, Mr Anderson will continue to build the business’ distributor relationships and will head up the sales team as it continues to achieve business growth.

Mr Anderson commented: “The latter part of 2016 has seen a lot of change within the Hoshizaki and Gram teams in preparation for the integration of the brands from the beginning of January. I look forward to working closely with Steve as the business expands and we continue to build our reputation for bringing truly innovative products to market. It’s a genuinely positive move for the business and a great time to be part of an evolving journey. I would also like to wish Glenn all the best in his new role”.

Glenn Roberts steps down as managing director next week after 14 years with the business. A popular and well-regarded figure across the foodservice industry, he recently became chairman of CESA.

Mr Roberts said: “It was a difficult decision to leave Hoshizaki Gram, but I am excited for the new challenge. The last 14 years have seen some remarkable changes and impressive technological advances, many of which I am proud to say have been industry ‘firsts’ from Gram. I am privileged to have been able to work with the whole team, and witness the success and restructuring of the sales and marketing functions under the single Hoshizaki UK business unit. It is an exciting time for the refrigeration category as manufacturers strive towards a more sustainable future for the whole industry. I am confident that Hoshizaki UK will continue to be pioneers and I would like to wish the whole team – including Steve Loughton – the very best for the future.”

8 Comments

Good luck messages all round – Steve, Good luck and I’m sure Hoshizaki Gram will continue to grow under your stewardship. Likewise Paul, Congratulations on the new role and finally Glen, good luck and best wishes for the future – its looking bright, or should that be Brita? Looks like 2017 is going to be an exciting year for you all. Best wishes, Richard Fordham